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Suffering a dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience, especially when the attack happens unexpectedly in your own neighborhood. Whether it happens at the dog park off Murrieta Rd., on a neighbor’s property, or while walking down the street in Menifee, you may be left with serious injuries and uncertainty about what to do next.
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Menifee personal injury lawyers help people throughout Riverside County who have been injured by dangerous dogs. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens a dog bite can cause, and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve under California law. Call today for a free consultation and learn how a dog bite attorney in Menifee, CA, can help you.
Why Menifee Residents Choose Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers
Choosing the right legal team after a dog bite matters. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we bring:
- Over $40 million recovered for injury victims
- Testimonials from satisfied clients, including over 400 5-star reviews
- More than a decade of experience in personal injury cases
- Immediate insurer contact once you hire us
- A legal team that collaborates on your case
- Bilingual services to serve our diverse community
We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients in the Menifee community. Every case we take is handled with personal attention and care, because we know how deeply these incidents affect our clients.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowA Dog Bite Can Leave Lasting Damage, Physically and Emotionally
Dog bites can result in more than just surface wounds. Victims often suffer from deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections like rabies or tetanus, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In some cases, reconstructive surgery or long-term physical therapy may be required.
For children, the emotional trauma of an attack can be just as serious as the physical injuries, often resulting in anxiety or fear of animals.
In the Menifee area, it’s important to seek immediate medical treatment at facilities like Menifee Global Medical Center or a local urgent care. Delaying care can worsen your injuries and make it harder to prove your case later.
California Law Holds Dog Owners Accountable
California law is clear: if a dog bites someone, the owner is typically responsible for the injuries, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Under California CIV § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
Per this statute, you don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner acted negligently. However, owners and insurers may try to argue that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, which can reduce or eliminate liability.
It’s essential to report the bite to local authorities, such as the Menifee Police Department or Riverside County Department of Animal Services, to create an official record of the incident.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWhat Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers Will Do for You
When you contact our firm, we take immediate steps to investigate the dog bite incident. We will obtain police or animal control reports, gather your medical records, locate and interview witnesses, and preserve photo evidence of your injuries and the scene.
We handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a low settlement. Our job is to pursue full compensation for your:
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental health support
- Future care or surgery, if needed
We work to ensure that all long-term impacts of your injuries are considered and accounted for in your insurance claim.
You Have a Limited Time to Act After a Dog Bite
California has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation.
For that reason, it’s important to act quickly. However, building a strong case also requires gathering evidence, medical records, and witness statements early. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Menifee
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can make a big difference in your recovery and your case:
- Seek immediate medical care: Medical attention from Menifee Global Medical Center or a local urgent care can diagnose your injuries, begin your treatment, and establish documentation of your injuries
- Report the attack: Call 9-1-1 so that the Menifee Police Department or Riverside County Department of Animal Services can generate a report.
- Document your injuries: Take photos and keep all medical records.
- Preserve evidence: Keep any torn clothing and share witness contact information with your attorney.
- Avoid talking with insurers: Do not speak with the dog owner’s insurance company without legal representation.
- Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers: Learn more about your case and legal options during a free consultation.
The sooner we can begin working on your case, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowCall Us Today for Help After a Dog Bite
If you were bitten by a dog in Menifee, California, don’t wait. Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and begin the process of seeking justice on your behalf.
Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. With a proven track record, deep roots in the community, and personal attention in every case, Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers is ready to stand by your side.
Menifee, CA, Dog Bite FAQs
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
California law applies strict liability, so even a first-time bite can make the owner responsible.
What if the bite happened at a friend’s or neighbor’s house?
You can still pursue compensation through their homeowner’s insurance. We handle these cases with discretion and care.
Can I get compensation for emotional trauma?
Yes, emotional suffering, including anxiety and fear, can be part of your claim.
Who pays my medical bills?
Typically, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers these damages.
How long will my case take?
It varies, but most dog bite cases settle in a few months. Complex cases may take longer.
